Democratic Government Could be Achieved Now
20 December 2010
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Fred Cobain’s comments on the need to have an opposition at Stormont and move away from the sectarian carve up of the Executive are welcome in so far as they go. They underscore a message long proclaimed by TUV, but contradicted by the actions of both DUP and UUP in clinging to broken, mandatory coalition. Much more than words of support for workable and durable democracy, in which an opposition is an indispensible part, are required, if it is to be achieved.
"Reforming Stormont and providing voluntary coalition with an effective Opposition is readily achievable if all Unionist MLAs acted together and with resolution after May's election. With Unionists in the majority in the Assembly, if, together, we refuse to form a mandatory coalition it cannot happen, and, then, both voluntary coalition and an Opposition will result as the way to keep devolution going. Logically, democratically and politically the case against unworkable mandatory coalition is unanswerable. There is a better way, but it will only be attained when Unionist MLAs have the courage and strength to provide it.
“So, talking about the creation of an opposition requiring "legislative action” is excuse-making, what is required is concerted political action. Democratic government for Northern Ireland could be achieved now if only there was the will to act across Unionism.
“Mandatory coalition government only survives at the moment because Unionists on the Hill work it.
“I would appeal to Mr Cobain and his colleagues in the Ulster Unionist Party to have the courage of their convictions and to force change by withdrawing from the current setup.
“The reality is that both the UUP and DUP know in their hearts that fundamentally TUV is correct. All Unionists agree that inclusive mandatory coalition government offends every principle of basic democracy. All Unionists know that the sectarian form of government with which we are presently lumbered can never deliver for our people, both Unionist and Nationalist. Yet self-interest prevents them from taking the logical step of withdrawing from the dysfunctional executive and demanding the same form of democracy as the rest of the Western World.
“However, given TUV is the only party which is serious about achieving democratic government for our Province, Unionists who want to see a genuine sharing of power on an agreed policy platform are left with just one option at the next election – Traditional Unionist Voice. Vote for the others and you get more of the same, vote TUV and you demand change."
